Everton are one of the clubs battling for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen's Leon Bailey, according to 90Min.

The lowdown

It currently seems to be Aston Villa who are at the front of the queue for Bailey. Dean Smith's side reportedly submitted a £25million bid but saw it rejected.

Bailey caught the eye after he was directly involved in 17 goals (scoring nine and assisting eight) in just 25 Bundesliga starts last season (via WhoScored).

He also ranked in the league's top five for successful dribbles per match with 2.5. For context, Richarlison led the way for Everton in this department with only 1.8.

The 23-year-old has predominantly been used as a left winger, but can also play on the right (via Transfermarkt). Intriguingly, Everton have already signed a wide player from the Werkself this summer in Demarai Gray.

Back in 2018, former Bayer 04 coach Heiko Herrlich described Bailey as a player who 'can do anything'.

The latest

Everton are named by 90min as one of the many clubs 'keen' on beating Villa to the signing of the Jamaican attacker.

Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are Southampton are also identified as suitors.

The report also notes that three Champions League sides in the form of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have previously monitored Bailey, but currently 'there's no indication' that they'll enter the fray.

The verdict

Whilst it would raise eyebrows if Everton signed a third winger on the back of Gray and Andros Townsend, it's clear that Bailey is a cut above in terms of his quality.

However, Leicester's interest has perhaps changed the landscape. They're the only named suitor who can offer Bailey European football, having already broken into the top six.

It seems that we'll either see a bidding war or Bailey will defuse the situation by making his preferred destination known.

For the mid-table clubs in the frame, he'd represent some coup based on his considerable potential and production so far.

In other news, Everton also face a battle for the signature of this defender.